Tribute paid to hero dogs no longer with the prison service this year

Tthere are more than 800 dogs working across UK prisons and the four-legged heroes not only live with their handlers but are their dedicated partners at work too. Trained to sniff out illegal items and substances as well as de-escalate tense situations, prison dogs work alongside their human colleagues to keep prisons safe and secure.

When retirement comes, the loyal canines trade in their leashes for a life of well-earned rest with their families.

Each year, HMPPS gives recognition, not just to its dog handlers for their acts of service but the dogs too, especially those retiring or those sadly lost along the way.

Richard Vince CBE, Executive Director for the Directorate of Security, said: “I remain incredibly proud of our dog sections and the standards of excellence that our handlers and dogs continue to set. I want to express my thanks for their professionalism, dedication to this specialism and for the many hours of training they and their dogs continue to invest in achieving the high standards expected”.

Dogs who have left the service this year

Homer, East Midlands Area

Handler D Martin says: “There were so many memorable moments throughout Homer’s Career, he recorded a total of 1,192 finds and often received awards from Governors across the East Midlands. Staff still stop and ask about him to this day, stating he was an amazing dog. Which is hard but also makes me feel proud and is heart-warming.”

Diesel, North West Search Team

Dog Handler John Harris says: "Diesel was 11 years old when he retired, serving 8 years with the North West Search team and before that at HMP Full Sutton. Our best moment with him was probably winning the Local Trials and three years getting through to Regional Trials.”

Tess, HMP Full Sutton

Dog handler Simon Thompson says: “Tess passed her initial assessment in 2018 aged 12 months but just a few weeks after her 6^th birthday she sadly passed away. My most memorable moment with her was collecting her aged 6 months old, all ears and paws! Rest in peace.”

Ace, HMP Belmarsh

Dog handler Alan Clark says: “Ace started at HMP Belmarsh at 7 weeks old in 2014 and was licenced at 12 months, retired in 2022. We sadly lost him to spleen cancer in 2024, just short of 10 years old, but we have lots of great memories at work and at home.”

Alfie, HMP Nottingham

Dog handler Aimee Lawlor says: "Alfie worked from 2015 to 2022 and was a rescue when he joined the prison service. He worked at HMP Nottingham and on other teams too. Alfie is now retired and enjoying life chilling on the sofa and having weekend trips to the Peak District. He retired with his best friend Edward, and is a very much-loved member of the family.”

Edward, HMP Nottingham

Dog handler Aimee Lawlor says: “Edward worked from 2015 to 2022 and was originally a failed Guide dog, joining us from Guide Dogs For The Blind. Edward was a favourite with staff and visitors. He is a big cuddly teddy bear - and wants to be friends with everyone. He’s now enjoying lazy days on the sofa and regular trips to the beach. He also has a new role as a great surrogate to orphaned lambs which he absolutely loves.”

Chaz, West Midlands Intelligence Support Group

Dog Handler P. Hansen says: “Chaz was licensed at 11 months and worked up until the age of 10. He was a very successful and outstanding search dog, working in all prisons serving the West Midlands area. Being my partner for 9+ years, he has become my best friend who is always there for me, even now he's retired he waits by the door around the time I am due home to greet me.”

Oscar, HMP Belmarsh

Dog Handler C. Langridge says: “I received Oscar as Gift at 8 months old in 2011. He had been treated very badly and was scared of everything but after a weekend at home with me and my dogs, Oscar started to come out of his shell and passed his first active assessment at 10 Months old. He retired In April 2023 and is enjoying his retirement!”

Sky, West Midlands Intelligence Support Group

Dog handler Robert Edwards says: “Sky came to the West Midlands team following a challenging start in life and I was the lucky dog handler. After she successfully completed a passive course I got to work with her every day. Sky is a very quirky girl and when not on duty her favourite pasttime is to roll in the biggest muddy puddles, she knew how to have fun! Sky is now enjoying her well-deserved retirement making her new family complete.”

Khan, HMP Belmarsh & London & Thames Valley Search Team, HMP Full Sutton

Dog Handler Luke Wickenden says: “Khan started his career at HMP Belmarsh in 2016 and then followed his handler again to HMP Full Sutton in 2019 before his final move back to HMP Belmarsh where he retired in 2023. He is now retired but still lives with his best friend and handler, enjoying long runs in his field and naps on the sofa.”

Zelda, HMP Belmarsh

Dog Handler Lauren Speer says: “Zelda started her career at HMP Belmarsh in 2016 and during her career she gave aid to other prisons such as HMP Woodhill, HMP Wandsworth, HMP Brixton and HMP Pentonville to name a few. She was a fantastic working dog and never let her handler or her team down. When she was working, she was focused, determined and impressive and took everything in her stride. When she isn’t hard at work, she is a scatty little rogue who is so much fun and the best companion. Unfortunately, she could not stay with her handler but is enjoying a well-deserved retirement in her new home.”

Whisper

Dog Handler Anita Simpson says: “I received Whisper at 8 weeks old - a beautiful fox-red labrador, who was full of life and mischief. It was evident from this young age that she had inherited the labrador love of food! I began training her fairly early, she became obsessed with her tennis ball, which made training her a breeze. She passed her first licence at 12 months old. Her favourite past time is swimming (as well as eating!). At six years old, she decided to become a lady of leisure and retired. Now at 12 years old, Whisper is still living life to the full and is in extremely good health albeit with a few grey hairs”

Jess, HMP Swansea & Region for Wales

Dog Handler Jess Harris says: “In 2018 Jess was picked up in London by the police as a stray dog and it became apparent that she had a desire to work. They transported her to South Wales Police and it was there that she was paired with me. Jess was a meticulous active drug-detection dog, and what she lacked in spaniel energy, she made up for in collie intelligence. Jess dedicated 6 years to HMPPS before she retired in 2024. She now resides with us as the family pet.”

Loki, HMP Wakefield

Dog Handler Mark Milnes says: “Loki gave his all, and never took a backward step, always by my side at work and away from work. Loki had a seizure at a young age and at the time was diagnosed with epilepsy and medicated but after no other seizures was taken off the medication after 12 months with advice from the vets. After nearly 7 years of service, I retired him and he is still by my side when I am getting ready for work with his nose firmly pressed against the rear patio doors - I think he would still love to come to work but the urge is short lived as after I’ve gone he returns to his spot at my wife feet.”

Lola

Dog Handler Chris Wareing says: “Lola and I became a General-Purpose Dog team in April 2018 and an Advanced Tornado Dog team in September 2018. During her career she deployed to numerous incidents and always performed to the highest level but her career was cut short due to hip dysplasia, and she retired in January 2024. She now enjoys life at home and a quieter lifestyle.”

Kai

Dog Handler Phil James says: “Kai entered HMPPS in July 2011 and worked tirelessly to support me in various situations. In December 2020 Kai was taken ill and was referred to a specialist where he had a blood transfusion where after emergency care he was released to recuperate at home. Kai returned to service and continued to work albeit in a reduced capacity until his retirement in 2023.”

For information on joining HMPPS visit: https://prisonandprobationjobs.gov.uk/?utm_campaign=prc_dogs_retirement&utm_medium=me&utm_source=pr